Schedule

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the techniques for planning and building a mustache from start to finish. Topics include face mapping, hair directionality, ventilating, trimming, application, and styling.
Attendees will have the opportunity to design and begin constructing their own mustache during the session. If you’ve already tried ventilating and are looking for more hands-on practice, this workshop offers a focused and supportive environment to strengthen your skills.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the techniques for planning and building a mustache from start to finish. Topics include face mapping, hair directionality, ventilating, trimming, application, and styling.
Attendees will have the opportunity to design and begin constructing their own mustache during the session. If you’ve already tried ventilating and are looking for more hands-on practice, this workshop offers a focused and supportive environment to strengthen your skills.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

This hands-on lab introduces artisans to pepakura and its applications within theatre crafts. Pepakura is a paper-crafting technique that transforms 2D templates into 3D models and is commonly used to create masks, armor, and props.
Participants will learn how to locate or create pepakura templates, assemble flat patterns into three-dimensional forms, and reinforce finished pieces using techniques such as papier-mâché, cardboard layering, and craft foam.
Sensory Notice: This session includes papier-mâché work using a mixture of glue and water. Participants will be dipping paper into the adhesive mixture, which may be uncomfortable for some. Gloves will be provided.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Interested in expanding your distressing techniques? In this hands-on lab, participants will learn how to create permanent, wet-look effects for costumes, including fresh blood, mud, rain, vomit, and other fluid-based distressing.
Join Erin, author of Dyeing for Entertainment, as she guides participants through materials, methods, and application techniques for achieving realistic, long-lasting results. This session provides practical instruction and hands-on experience for creating convincing wet effects that hold up in performance.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Drawing heads, hands, and feet can be among the most intimidating aspects of figure rendering for costume designers. Yet building confidence and clarity in these key anatomical features can significantly strengthen visual communication.
This hands-on lab is designed to demystify these challenging areas of the human figure. Through guided exercises, participants will explore basic anatomy and proportions of the head, hands, and feet, with emphasis on simplified skeletal and muscular forms, identifying key landmarks, and using gestural mark-making to create expressive, accurate drawings.
Participants will practice sketching both from reference and from life through a combination of quick studies and more deliberate techniques, helping develop observation skills and hand–eye coordination. The session provides accessible, repeatable tools that can be incorporated into individual rendering processes, regardless of drawing experience.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Step away from the bustle of the convention floor and reconnect with the fundamentals of costume design in this hands-on figure drawing lab. Working from live, costumed models, participants will explore how garments interact with the human form—an essential skill for effective rendering and design communication.
The lab will feature a variety of dynamic poses, costumes, and model types, reflecting the diversity of bodies and garments encountered in practice. Structured warm-ups, quick gesture sketches, and longer poses will offer multiple approaches to developing observation and drawing skills.
A facilitator will provide supportive, constructive feedback throughout, helping participants strengthen their understanding of anatomy, proportion, movement, and fabric drape. Whether you are a seasoned designer or new to figure drawing, this collaborative and creative environment offers space to grow and refine your skills.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

This hands-on lab presents an overview of the history and cultural significance of Native American regalia, with a focus on contemporary regalia of the Great Lakes region. Participants will view fully handcrafted examples, including Men’s Traditional Dance Regalia, Women’s Traditional Dance Regalia, Jingle Dress Dance Regalia, and Fancy Shawl Dance Regalia.
The session will include in-depth demonstrations of key regalia elements, including an introduction to ornithology and the cultural use of feathers. Participants will learn about feather selection, symbolism, painting, and manipulation through guided demonstrations.
The hands-on portion of the session will focus on Native American beadwork techniques, including loom beadwork, appliqué beadwork, Peyote beadwork, and lazy stitch beadwork. A demonstration of two-needle appliqué beadwork will be provided, after which participants will practice this technique and begin creating a decorative medallion.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Have you ever been asked to make a costume extremely muddy—or convincingly bloodied—without destroying the garment? This hands-on lab offers practical, durable solutions for creating dimensional dirt and realistic wounds that can withstand cleaning, maintenance, and long production runs.
Participants will work directly with materials designed to survive repeated wear and laundering. The lab will demonstrate how to create dimensional mud using tulle bases, forming three-dimensional clumps that can be sewn onto garments requiring heavy distressing without permanent damage. These applications are long-wearing, resistant to cleaning, and ideal for costumes that must be restored or reused. Additional methods for creating non-permanent dirt effects will also be discussed.
The session will also cover techniques for creating blood and wounds using Perma Blood and paint methods that effectively “sell” injuries on stage. Participants will explore the what, where, and why of wound placement and construction to ensure effects that are both believable and practical.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Fine tailoring begins with a well-structured coat front. In this hands-on lab, participants will learn how to properly set a structured canvas into a coat front—a foundational step in creating tailored garments that maintain shape and wear beautifully.
Using pre-made canvas fronts and pre-cut wool pieces, this session will focus on pad stitching, shaping techniques, and the correct process for positioning and securing the canvas during coat construction. Participants will leave with a completed sample to use as a reference in future tailoring projects.

Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

This hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of ventilating for wigs and facial hair. Participants will learn the basic techniques of ventilating and have the opportunity to practice during the session. No prior experience is required.
Additional wig-building techniques will also be discussed, making this a great opportunity to ask questions and expand your skills. Whether you’re new to wig work or looking to strengthen your foundation, this session offers practical insight and hands-on learning.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

This hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of ventilating for wigs and facial hair. Participants will learn the basic techniques of ventilating and have the opportunity to practice during the session. No prior experience is required.
Additional wig-building techniques will also be discussed, making this a great opportunity to ask questions and expand your skills. Whether you’re new to wig work or looking to strengthen your foundation, this session offers practical insight and hands-on learning.

Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Interested in expanding your distressing techniques? In this hands-on lab, participants will learn how to create permanent, wet-look effects for costumes, including fresh blood, mud, rain, vomit, and other fluid-based distressing.
Join Erin, author of Dyeing for Entertainment, as she guides participants through materials, methods, and application techniques for achieving realistic, long-lasting results. This session provides practical instruction and hands-on experience for creating convincing wet effects that hold up in performance.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

This interactive lecture/lab transforms textile learning into a hands-on challenge designed to sharpen your instincts as a costume designer or technician. Participants will “play” their way through textiles by testing, comparing, and decoding fabrics based on fiber content, weave structure, historical use, dyeing and surface modification, sourcing strategies, and sustainability considerations.
Through guided activities and tactile problem-solving, attendees will make design decisions in real time, learning how fabric behavior affects performance, durability, and storytelling. Participants will build a personal textile swatch book as they progress through the lab—collecting common and historically accurate textiles, fiber types, weaves, and yarns to create a practical reference library they can use long after the session ends.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Get Feedback on Your Portfolio/Materials Before that Big Interview

SIGNUP REQUIRED IN ADVANCE by 5p the night before* - Registration is now open (see below).

Let us help you put your best foot forward for that next job interview or tenure application with a little PRIMPing: Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep. Sign up to have your work samples reviewed by industry professionals as part of the 2026 conference.  

Reviews are available for those at every level from student to seasoned professional, in all areas of design, technology, management, and/or education. (See list below.) All applicants must be registered for the Conference; Stage Expo only passes are not applicable. Most commissions are seeking volunteer reviewers as well.

Most reviews are for 30 minutes, with tenure sessions for 75 minutes. Those presenting their materials will be paired with two volunteers to provide feedback. There is LIMITED internet access available - please plan a back-up option if it is not accessible during your review. Reviews are staffed by numerous members throughout the Institute. Registration is scheduled via SignUpGenius, to be on either side of the review table. 

Apply by March 5th to be guaranteed a time slot. At the conference, a limited number of slots will be available for last-minute registration, but may conflict with travel between sessions and/or fill up quickly.

To have your portfolio/materials REVIEWED, sign up as a "Presenter". (To Volunteer as a Reviewer, scroll to the bottom within the options below.)
Option One: Visit Career Campus Navigation in the Upper Navigation, then PRIMP for all registration links.
Option Two: Download the attached PDF titled "PRIMP 2026 Sign Up Links." 
Option Three: If viewing on a computer, each commission area listed below should function as a direct link to registration.

• Architecture

• Costumes – Design & Technology, including Hair & Make-up and Wardrobe

• Digital Media – including video design, digital media, interactive media, and new media

• Education  – Tenure appointments are for up to 75 minutes each (*Deadline for Education signups will be earlier than others, a few weeks out)

• Engineering - new for 2026!

• Lighting – Design & Technology

• Management - Arts Management (including Company Mangers, Managing Directors, House Managers, Box Office, Donor Development, and Finance), Production Management, and Stage Management (all genres including Event Management)

• Scenic/Props – including Props Artisans, Props Managers, Scenic Art, Scenic Painting, Set Design, Scenography (see also Technical Production below) 

• Sound – Design & Technology

• Technical Production – includes Technical Directors, Shop Managers, Facilities Managers, Craftspersons, Stage Hands, and Technicians
  
  Check out who is reviewing your work here! Reviewer Bios

If you would like to VOLUNTEER to be a Reviewer:

Please fill out the volunteer form located on the PRIMP page under the Career Campus tab. You will be vetted, contacted further (after January 15th), and scheduled based on your availability and area of interest. 

Get Feedback on Your Portfolio/Materials Before that Big Interview

SIGNUP REQUIRED IN ADVANCE by 5p the night before* - Registration is now open (see below).

Let us help you put your best foot forward for that next job interview or tenure application with a little PRIMPing: Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep. Sign up to have your work samples reviewed by industry professionals as part of the 2026 conference.  

Reviews are available for those at every level from student to seasoned professional, in all areas of design, technology, management, and/or education. (See list below.) All applicants must be registered for the Conference; Stage Expo only passes are not applicable. Most commissions are seeking volunteer reviewers as well.

Most reviews are for 30 minutes, with tenure sessions for 75 minutes. Those presenting their materials will be paired with two volunteers to provide feedback. There is LIMITED internet access available - please plan a back-up option if it is not accessible during your review. Reviews are staffed by numerous members throughout the Institute. Registration is scheduled via SignUpGenius, to be on either side of the review table. 

Apply by March 5th to be guaranteed a time slot. At the conference, a limited number of slots will be available for last-minute registration, but may conflict with travel between sessions and/or fill up quickly.

To have your portfolio/materials REVIEWED, sign up as a "Presenter". (To Volunteer as a Reviewer, scroll to the bottom within the options below.)
Option One: Visit Career Campus Navigation in the Upper Navigation, then PRIMP for all registration links.
Option Two: Download the attached PDF titled "PRIMP 2026 Sign Up Links." 
Option Three: If viewing on a computer, each commission area listed below should function as a direct link to registration.

• Architecture

• Costumes – Design & Technology, including Hair & Make-up and Wardrobe

• Digital Media – including video design, digital media, interactive media, and new media

• Education  – Tenure appointments are for up to 75 minutes each (*Deadline for Education signups will be earlier than others, a few weeks out)

• Engineering - new for 2026!

• Lighting – Design & Technology

• Management - Arts Management (including Company Mangers, Managing Directors, House Managers, Box Office, Donor Development, and Finance), Production Management, and Stage Management (all genres including Event Management)

• Scenic/Props – including Props Artisans, Props Managers, Scenic Art, Scenic Painting, Set Design, Scenography (see also Technical Production below) 

• Sound – Design & Technology

• Technical Production – includes Technical Directors, Shop Managers, Facilities Managers, Craftspersons, Stage Hands, and Technicians
  
  Check out who is reviewing your work here! Reviewer Bios

If you would like to VOLUNTEER to be a Reviewer:

Please fill out the volunteer form located on the PRIMP page under the Career Campus tab. You will be vetted, contacted further (after January 15th), and scheduled based on your availability and area of interest. 

Get Feedback on Your Portfolio/Materials Before that Big Interview

SIGNUP REQUIRED IN ADVANCE by 5p the night before* - Registration is now open (see below).

Let us help you put your best foot forward for that next job interview or tenure application with a little PRIMPing: Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep. Sign up to have your work samples reviewed by industry professionals as part of the 2026 conference.  

Reviews are available for those at every level from student to seasoned professional, in all areas of design, technology, management, and/or education. (See list below.) All applicants must be registered for the Conference; Stage Expo only passes are not applicable. Most commissions are seeking volunteer reviewers as well.

Most reviews are for 30 minutes, with tenure sessions for 75 minutes. Those presenting their materials will be paired with two volunteers to provide feedback. There is LIMITED internet access available - please plan a back-up option if it is not accessible during your review. Reviews are staffed by numerous members throughout the Institute. Registration is scheduled via SignUpGenius, to be on either side of the review table. 

Apply by March 5th to be guaranteed a time slot. At the conference, a limited number of slots will be available for last-minute registration, but may conflict with travel between sessions and/or fill up quickly.

To have your portfolio/materials REVIEWED, sign up as a "Presenter". (To Volunteer as a Reviewer, scroll to the bottom within the options below.)
Option One: Visit Career Campus Navigation in the Upper Navigation, then PRIMP for all registration links.
Option Two: Download the attached PDF titled "PRIMP 2026 Sign Up Links." 
Option Three: If viewing on a computer, each commission area listed below should function as a direct link to registration.

• Architecture

• Costumes – Design & Technology, including Hair & Make-up and Wardrobe

• Digital Media – including video design, digital media, interactive media, and new media

• Education  – Tenure appointments are for up to 75 minutes each (*Deadline for Education signups will be earlier than others, a few weeks out)

• Engineering - new for 2026!

• Lighting – Design & Technology

• Management - Arts Management (including Company Mangers, Managing Directors, House Managers, Box Office, Donor Development, and Finance), Production Management, and Stage Management (all genres including Event Management)

• Scenic/Props – including Props Artisans, Props Managers, Scenic Art, Scenic Painting, Set Design, Scenography (see also Technical Production below) 

• Sound – Design & Technology

• Technical Production – includes Technical Directors, Shop Managers, Facilities Managers, Craftspersons, Stage Hands, and Technicians
  
  Check out who is reviewing your work here! Reviewer Bios

If you would like to VOLUNTEER to be a Reviewer:

Please fill out the volunteer form located on the PRIMP page under the Career Campus tab. You will be vetted, contacted further (after January 15th), and scheduled based on your availability and area of interest. 

Get Feedback on Your Portfolio/Materials Before that Big Interview

SIGNUP REQUIRED IN ADVANCE by 5p the night before* - Registration is now open (see below). [Please note, Saturday slots will only open up if Thursday and Friday slots fill.]

Let us help you put your best foot forward for that next job interview or tenure application with a little PRIMPing: Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep. Sign up to have your work samples reviewed by industry professionals as part of the 2026 conference.  

Reviews are available for those at every level from student to seasoned professional, in all areas of design, technology, management, and/or education. (See list below.) All applicants must be registered for the Conference; Stage Expo only passes are not applicable. Most commissions are seeking volunteer reviewers as well.

Most reviews are for 30 minutes, with tenure sessions for 75 minutes. Those presenting their materials will be paired with two volunteers to provide feedback. There is LIMITED internet access available - please plan a back-up option if it is not accessible during your review. Reviews are staffed by numerous members throughout the Institute. Registration is scheduled via SignUpGenius, to be on either side of the review table. 

Apply by March 5th to be guaranteed a time slot. At the conference, a limited number of slots will be available for last-minute registration, but may conflict with travel between sessions and/or fill up quickly.

To have your portfolio/materials REVIEWED, sign up as a "Presenter". (To Volunteer as a Reviewer, scroll to the bottom within the options below.)
Option One: Visit Career Campus Navigation in the Upper Navigation, then PRIMP for all registration links.
Option Two: Download the attached PDF titled "PRIMP 2026 Sign Up Links." 
Option Three: If viewing on a computer, each commission area listed below should function as a direct link to registration.

• Architecture

• Costumes – Design & Technology, including Hair & Make-up and Wardrobe

• Digital Media – including video design, digital media, interactive media, and new media

• Education  – Tenure appointments are for up to 75 minutes each (*Deadline for Education signups will be earlier than others, a few weeks out)

• Engineering - new for 2026!

• Lighting – Design & Technology

• Management - Arts Management (including Company Mangers, Managing Directors, House Managers, Box Office, Donor Development, and Finance), Production Management, and Stage Management (all genres including Event Management)

• Scenic/Props – including Props Artisans, Props Managers, Scenic Art, Scenic Painting, Set Design, Scenography (see also Technical Production below) 

• Sound – Design & Technology

• Technical Production – includes Technical Directors, Shop Managers, Facilities Managers, Craftspersons, Stage Hands, and Technicians
  
  Check out who is reviewing your work here! Reviewer Bios

If you would like to VOLUNTEER to be a Reviewer:

Please fill out the volunteer form located on the PRIMP page under the Career Campus tab. You will be vetted, contacted further (after January 15th), and scheduled based on your availability and area of interest. 

Get Feedback on Your Portfolio/Materials Before that Big Interview

SIGNUP REQUIRED IN ADVANCE by 5p the night before* - Registration is now open (see below).

Let us help you put your best foot forward for that next job interview or tenure application with a little PRIMPing: Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep. Sign up to have your work samples reviewed by industry professionals as part of the 2026 conference.  

Reviews are available for those at every level from student to seasoned professional, in all areas of design, technology, management, and/or education. (See list below.) All applicants must be registered for the Conference; Stage Expo only passes are not applicable. Most commissions are seeking volunteer reviewers as well.

Most reviews are for 30 minutes, with tenure sessions for 75 minutes. Those presenting their materials will be paired with two volunteers to provide feedback. There is LIMITED internet access available - please plan a back-up option if it is not accessible during your review. Reviews are staffed by numerous members throughout the Institute. Registration is scheduled via SignUpGenius, to be on either side of the review table. 

Apply by March 5th to be guaranteed a time slot. At the conference, a limited number of slots will be available for last-minute registration, but may conflict with travel between sessions and/or fill up quickly.

To have your portfolio/materials REVIEWED, sign up as a "Presenter". (To Volunteer as a Reviewer, scroll to the bottom within the options below.)
Option One: Visit Career Campus Navigation in the Upper Navigation, then PRIMP for all registration links.
Option Two: Download the attached PDF titled "PRIMP 2026 Sign Up Links." 
Option Three: If viewing on a computer, each commission area listed below should function as a direct link to registration.

• Architecture

• Costumes – Design & Technology, including Hair & Make-up and Wardrobe

• Digital Media – including video design, digital media, interactive media, and new media

• Education  – Tenure appointments are for up to 75 minutes each (*Deadline for Education signups will be earlier than others, a few weeks out)

• Engineering - new for 2026!

• Lighting – Design & Technology

• Management - Arts Management (including Company Mangers, Managing Directors, House Managers, Box Office, Donor Development, and Finance), Production Management, and Stage Management (all genres including Event Management)

• Scenic/Props – including Props Artisans, Props Managers, Scenic Art, Scenic Painting, Set Design, Scenography (see also Technical Production below) 

• Sound – Design & Technology

• Technical Production – includes Technical Directors, Shop Managers, Facilities Managers, Craftspersons, Stage Hands, and Technicians
  
  Check out who is reviewing your work here! Reviewer Bios

If you would like to VOLUNTEER to be a Reviewer:

Please fill out the volunteer form located on the PRIMP page under the Career Campus tab. You will be vetted, contacted further (after January 15th), and scheduled based on your availability and area of interest. 

Wednesday 12:30 - 6 PM
Thursday 9-10:30 AM
Thursday 12:30-6 PM
Friday 9-11 AM
Friday 12:30-6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM

Wednesday 12:30 - 6 PM
Thursday 9-10:30 AM
Thursday 12:30-6 PM
Friday 9-11 AM
Friday 12:30-6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM

Pick up and drop off for buses to the Queen Mary Experience will begin at 5:30 pm at 300 E Ocean Blvd, in front of the Terrace Theatre. 
Buses will run continuous routes from 5:30 - 9:30 pm.
For the first time ever, USITT invites you aboard the legendary Queen Mary for an exclusive evening experience. Enjoy food stations, a cash bar, live music, a silent disco, and both self-guided and guided tours of this historic ocean liner. Dressing the part is optional, but prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.
Please Note: While many areas of the Queen Mary are fully accessible, due to the layout of the ship, some areas, such as the engine room, require walking up and down stairs.

Your ticket price includes round-trip transportation, food stations, a silent disco, guided tours, and music. As day turns to night, take in the spectacular sunset views over Long Beach Harbor from the decks of this iconic ship. Secure your ticket now before they’re gone.

Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach
Ticket Price: $75 (limited to the first 500 guests)
 

Have you ever been asked to make a costume extremely muddy—or convincingly bloodied—without destroying the garment? This hands-on lab offers practical, durable solutions for creating dimensional dirt and realistic wounds that can withstand cleaning, maintenance, and long production runs.
Participants will work directly with materials designed to survive repeated wear and laundering. The lab will demonstrate how to create dimensional mud using tulle bases, forming three-dimensional clumps that can be sewn onto garments requiring heavy distressing without permanent damage. These applications are long-wearing, resistant to cleaning, and ideal for costumes that must be restored or reused. Additional methods for creating non-permanent dirt effects will also be discussed.
The session will also cover techniques for creating blood and wounds using Perma Blood and paint methods that effectively “sell” injuries on stage. Participants will explore the what, where, and why of wound placement and construction to ensure effects that are both believable and practical.
Presented by the Costume Design and Technology Commission.

Wednesday 12:30 - 6 PM
Thursday 9-10:30 AM
Thursday 12:30-6 PM
Friday 9-11 AM
Friday 12:30-6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM

Wednesday 12:30 - 6 PM
Thursday 9-10:30 AM
Thursday 12:30-6 PM
Friday 9-11 AM
Friday 12:30-6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM

Wednesday 12:30 - 6 PM
Thursday 9-10:30 AM
Thursday 12:30-6 PM
Friday 9-11 AM
Friday 12:30-6 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM